Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss in the left ear was granted, as there is at least a balance of evidence to support this finding. The right ear hearing loss claim was denied due to insufficient evidence linking it to service.,Service connection for tinnitus was also granted, supported by credible statements from the Veteran regarding its onset during service.

The Veteran's tinnitus claim is denied as the maximum schedular rating has been assigned.,The claim for service connection for sleep apnea was previously denied, but reopened due to new and material evidence. The issue remains on appeal.,The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, status post left knee injury with mild arthritis, otitis media, and hearing loss are all remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's service connection claim for sleep apnea is remanded as new evidence has been received. The issue remains on appeal.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded due to the inextricably intertwined nature with other issues.

Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and insomnia secondary to tinnitus.,The Veteran's current bilateral knee conditions are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has determined that new evidence supports reopening of these claims. The mental health disorder claim is granted as it is related to his military service.

The appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is dismissed. The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings for migraine headaches and tinnitus are remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a left wrist disability and tinnitus are decided as follows: The claim for a left wrist disability is denied, while the claim for tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of tinnitus before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has remanded three issues: bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a respiratory condition. The reasons for this are that there was a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not rescheduling the VA examinations, and that a TERA examination is needed for the tinnitus and respiratory claims.

The Veteran's initial rating for tinnitus and hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the maximum schedular rating of 10% had been assigned, and there were no new or material evidence to reopen the claims. Effective dates prior to November 13, 2013, for service connection were also denied.

The Veteran's eligibility for PCAFC benefits is remanded due to unclear notice and need for clarification of the denial reasons. The VA must provide proper notice, clarify the reasoning of the denial, and provide legally adequate reasons and bases for the denial.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's tinnitus claim should be remanded due to a failure to obtain relevant VA audiogram results.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to his in-service noise exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted.,Service connection for tinnitus as secondary to the Veteran's now service-connected bilateral hearing loss is also granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or aggravated his obesity, which is a factor in developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The VA examiner must consider and discuss each specific service-connected disability and the potential individual and collective impacts of toxic exposure risk activities on his disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are as likely as not of such nature and severity as to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since June 5, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence supports a nexus between these conditions and active service exposure to noise. The combat presumption is applied in this case.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for eligibility for specially adapted housing (SAH) or a special home adaptation (SHA) grant due to lack of relevant disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, as his education and skills allow for many types of employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is at least as likely as not related to noise exposure during his military service, and thus grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance, as the requirement for such is attributed to non-service-connected back pain. As a result, special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for paralysis of the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities, right and left knee disabilities, and tinnitus.,The claims for acquired psychiatric disabilities (generalized anxiety disorder/PTSD and major depressive disorder) are also remanded.